May is the Month of Festivals in Aruba

by Justin Burch

Just as more tourists are discovering the beautiful island of Aruba, the number of entertainment and sightseeing options has increased each season. This Memorial Day holiday Aruba will host a pair of world-class festivals, each welcoming plenty of locals and tourists. Music lovers can enjoy excellent concerts from award-winning Soul and R&B acts, while those with curious palates will have an opportunity to sample world-class cuisine from local and international chefs. With top-notch entertainment and dining on display this May, visitors will have a chance to see why Aruba is considered one of the most exciting destinations in the Caribbean.

In recent years, the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festivalhas featured scores of both legendary and up-and-coming Soul and R&B artists. Fans of classic acts have been able to enjoy performances from The Gap Band, Chaka Khan and Maze at the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, while recent Grammy-winner Alicia Keys and platinum-selling artists such as Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Boyz II Men and Sean Paul have entertained music lovers of all generations. With such star-studded lineups, it is easy to see why the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival is considered not only the island’s premier musical event, but also one of the best annual festivals in the Caribbean.

The performances of Friday, May 23 – Comedy Night at the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival – will be headlined by longtime festival favorite Sinbad. The concerts scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 24 and 25 will feature a number of world-renown Soul and R&B artists, as well as local musicians and performers from throughout the Caribbean. Though plenty of musical acts will be added to the lineups leading up to the festival, visitors can already make plans to enjoy the exotic sounds of Erykah Badu as part of Sunday’s music showcase.

The Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival opens officially on Wednesday, May 21 with a number of parties at hotspots throughout the island. The late-night excitement continues throughout the festival with daily nightclub performances and promotional events. Visitors to the Festival can also take part in daytime beach events from Thursday to Sunday. Featuring live music and plenty of great food, the daytime beach parties at the Festival offer a great way for families to experience the island’s beautiful beaches and impeccable weather.

Tickets for the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival can be purchased during the festival or ordered before traveling. To ensure that preordered tickets don’t get lost in the mail or left behind by travelers, the Festival will hold all purchased tickets at will call until festivities begin. Visitors will also have a chance to purchase day passes for the special events held Friday through Sunday or discounted tickets for all of the festival’s events.

Families visiting Aruba over the Memorial Day Weekend will also have an opportunity to enjoy world-class cuisine at the Aruba Food and Wine Festival. Now in its fourth year, the Aruba Food and Wine Festival brings together all of the island’s best chefs, while also welcoming several international culinary experts. Though the Festival will feature several top chefs and gourmet cuisine, the event is not reserved for the rich and glamorous. With plenty of special tastings, showcases and opportunities to sample unique foods, the Aruba Food and Wine Festival attracts a number of locals and tourists each year. As has become the custom, this year’s event will conclude with a gourmet banquet and concert honoring the work of a famous musical act. Visitors to this special Sunday event will be able to enjoy gourmet cuisine prepared by a variety of world-renown chefs, the world’s finest wines and champagnes and the music of Frank Sinatra. Taking place on Memorial Day Weekend with the Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, the Aruba Food and Wine Festival will be delighting the palates of locals and tourists from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25.

Though the height of tourism season is still several months away, the month of May has become an exciting time to visit Aruba. With two fabulous festivals sharing a weekend this Memorial Day holiday, it is easy to see why Aruba is not only one of the most exciting islands in the Caribbean, but also a great year-round destination.

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Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Aruba for the Marriott Resorts.